Critical Reflection
Enrolling in USC1001, taught by Professor Blackstone, was
an immensely enriching experience and one that I will remember fondly. In my
letter to the professor, I shared that I had spent five years working in the
army as a regular. During my time in the military, I was trained to be a robust
and disciplined individual who followed orders rather than questioned them.
However, after leaving the force, I recognized that the mindset and skills
developed in the military were not fully transferable to civilian life. Under
Professor Blackstone's mentorship, I aimed to pivot from a military mindset to
becoming an effective communicator in university and a competent professional
in the industry.
One of my goals was to improve my communication skills,
particularly in reducing filler words and refining my letter-writing abilities.
Professor Blackstone taught us the importance of proper citation for our reader
responses, following APA style. This skill is crucial when writing reports and
theses, as it trains writers to reference official sources and give due credit
to authors.
What I found most enriching was the segment on
effectively utilizing generative AI for optimal results and learning how to
properly cite AI-generated content. This proved invaluable for writing reports
and other documents. I applied these skills when composing a 1,500-word essay
for a scholarship application, which involved identifying the core values and
goals of the organization and articulating how I could contribute. Thanks to
this module, I have enhanced my ability to think critically and convey messages
in a clear, diplomatic, and impactful manner.
Project Learning
For our research project, my team chose to focus on a
drone tether system. We conducted extensive research on the equipment and
explored how it could prevent drone-related incidents in Singapore. As a drone
pilot, I contributed my personal and professional experiences to the research,
culminating in a comprehensive and informative presentation. Through this
process, I discovered my ability to translate technical knowledge into
well-structured written reports. Additionally, I learned to use citations from
relevant articles to strengthen key points in our argument.
For the oral presentation, I had the honour of
representing the class in an IMechE challenge as a presentation candidate. This
opportunity allowed me to hone my presentation skills, including maintaining
eye contact, modulating my tone, and pacing my delivery. However, I failed to
consider the nature of my audience. I used an analogy involving a “fat
girlfriend transformation” to illustrate the serviceability and longevity of
the product, which was perceived as offensive by the judges. As a result, I did
not win the competition.
While this was disappointing, it was a significant
learning moment. I understand the importance of being mindful of my
audience and ensuring that my content is appropriate and respectful. Moving
forward, I will strive to deliver presentations with greater sensitivity,
neutrality, and professionalism.
